[3PS-254]
Electrochemical Benzylic Functionalization of Polystyrene via NHPI-Mediated PINO Capping for Low-Energy Depolymerization
발표자이동준 (서강대학교)
연구책임자김형준 (서강대학교)
Abstract
Chemical recycling of polystyrene (PS) is hindered by the exceptional stability of its carbon–carbon backbone, requiring energy-intensive depolymerization conditions. Copolymerization with weak-link monomers lowers activation temperatures but cannot be applied to commodity PS, highlighting the need for a post-synthetic activation strategy. Here, we report an electrochemical approach that selectively activates commercial PS without modifying its polymerization pathway. Electrochemical oxidation of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) generates phthalimide N-oxyl (PINO) radicals that abstract benzylic hydrogen atoms, followed by radical recombination to form PINO-capped PS. FTIR and NMR confirm successful incorporation, and thermogravimetric analysis shows accelerated mass loss under identical isothermal conditions, indicating a reduced depolymerization barrier.